Newcastle defender Santon: Sunderland atmosphere can be SCARY

He admits that even he was "scared" by the hostile atmosphere when he played for Newcastle in their 1-1 St James' Park draw with deadly rivals Sunderland last ­season.

Santon told the Sunday Mirror: "I didn't play in the first game last season when ­Newcastle won 1-0, but I played in the second one.

"It was a fantastic experience. The fans were crazy and I really enjoyed the game. I remember the managers being crazy too, and Sunderland having two players sent off.

"But I think it's normal, because the Milan derby was similar. ­Everyone wants to win. I played twice with Inter and we won the first 3-0 and the second 2-1. It made all the difference that we won those games against AC Milan. Perhaps that is why I love derbies so much. They've made me very happy.

"The difference is that here the stadium is a bit smaller, but the fans are more aggressive than in Milan.

"Here, the rivalry is more ­intense, more crazy. I was even a little bit scared in the first half, but I really enjoyed it."